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Cars stuck as floods hit Maidstone, Yalding, Marden, Tonbridge and more

By: Rebecca Tuffin

Published: 09:59, 06 March 2020

Updated: 14:46, 07 March 2020

Cars have been stranded and roads closed after flooding hit large parts of the county last night.

Three cars and a lorry are stuck in flood water in Marden, with two fire engines and a water rescue unit on the scene.

A car got stuck in the floods in Bearsted last night

Crews are working to rescue those inside the vehicles in Hunton Road.

People are being asked to avoid the area, including Green Lane, which is also flooded.

Another car became stranded last night in Spot Lane, Bearsted due to the heavy rainfall, with a large part of the car submerged in water.

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Jake Barnes was driving in the area and heard there were people getting stuck, so took his off-road car down to help.

He said: "We saw a man stuck in his car on his way home from work so we offered to pull him out. We got him out of his car and then me and my friend drove back into the flood to pull out the car. He then called for the vehicle to be recovered and taken to the garage.

Jake Barnes used his 4x4 to drag the car out of the water

Andy Williams, who was recognised for helping people stuck in the snow when the Beast from the East hit in 2018, was out saving stranded drivers once again during the floods.

James Wilson says he was helped by Mr Williams after getting stuck in the water in Maidstone.

He said: "He saved myself and a number of other drivers - he didn't hesitate to get stuck in and help us in our hour of need. This guy is a true gentleman."

Yalding has also been badly hit by the floods. More than 40 people have been evacuated from Little Venice Country Park, and multiple roads are closed.

River levels are due to peak in the village between 4pm and 10pm.

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One resident has even taken to Facebook to offer her spare room to anyone from the caravan park in need of a bed.

A number of roads are closed or blocked in the Maidstone area and beyond including Symonds Lane in Yalding, New Barn Road in Sutton Valence and Mallards Way in Downswood.

The B2162 Hampstead Lane in Yalding is shut between Station Road and Maidstone Road. as well as Mill Lane.

In West Peckham, there are reports the A26 Maidstone Road is closed between the A228 Roundabout with Seven Mile Lane and Common Road.

Linton has also been affected by the wet weather

Water Lane in Thurnham is closed near the motorway bridge.

In total, 60 roads are closed across the county.

A car was stuck in Redwall Lane, Linton and a witness said two motorists were rescued by the fire service.

Bus services are being cancelled due to the weather.

Arriva's number 7 route is not going through Hadlow this morning due to flooding between there and Mereworth. It will instead be diverting through Five Oak green and into Tonbridge.

Maidstone Borough Council has issued some advice on how to best cope with the weather, including using sandbags to protect buildings from flooding.

South East 4x4 are currently monitoring the situation.

The River Medway in Maidstone has been affected by the heavy rainfall

Simon Weedon from Bearsted said: "Spot Lane is still closed now but the run from Roundwell to KIM’s is clear."

Simon Weedon shared these pictures from Bearsted

Has your area been badly affected by flooding? Send photos to rtuffin@thekmgroup.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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